Somalia rejects calls for talks with Ethiopia over MOU signed with Somaliland

The Federal Government of Somalia has stated that it will not hold any dialogue over the controversial naval Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland Until Ethiopia “revokes the deal.”

In an official statement, the Foreign Affairs ministry expressed Somalia’s commitment to regional peace and collaboration with international partners including the particularly the G7 to ensure stability in the Horn of Africa.

The statement reads “Ethiopia should demonstrate full respect for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and principle of non-interference by invalidating the deal with Somaliland in which Somalia said it against its terroterial integrity.”

During a recent G7 meeting, ministers from the foreign nations called Somalia and Ethiopia to maintain dialogue channels open as a way of averting further tension and urged the two nations to cooperate with regional allies, adhere to international laws and respect other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter.

The root of the discord lies in Ethiopia’s recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland earlier this month.

The agreement grants Ethiopia access to a seaport for both military and commercial purposes, with the condition that Ethiopia formally recognizes Somaliland as an independent state.

The port deal has ignited diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, prompting concerns from regional and international actors.